HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023 11-21 Planning Commission PacketMeeting is also available on Comcast Ch. 16 and streaming vod.maplewoodmn.gov
AGENDA
CITY OF MAPLEWOOD
PLANNING COMMISSION
7:00 P.M. Tuesday, November 21, 2023
City Hall, Council Chambers
1830 County Road B East
A.CALL TO ORDER
B.ROLL CALL
C.APPROVAL OF AGENDA
D.APPROVAL OF MINUTES1.October 17, 2023 Planning Commission Meeting Minutes
E.PUBLIC HEARING1.Conditional Use Permit and Variances Resolution, Saint Paul Educational FoundationCommunications Monopole, 1210 Sterling Street South
F.NEW BUSINESSNone
G.UNFINISHED BUSINESSNone
H.COMMISSION PRESENTATIONS
I.STAFF PRESENTATIONSNone
J.VISITOR PRESENTATIONS – 3 minute time limit per person
K. ADJOURNMENT
WELCOME TO THIS MEETING OF THE
PLANNING COMMISSION
This outline has been prepared to help you understand the public meeting process.
The review of an item usually takes the following form:
1.The chairperson of the meeting will announce the item to be reviewed and ask for the
staff report on the subject.
2.Staff presents their report on the matter.
3.The Commission will then ask City staff questions about the proposal.
4.The chairperson will then ask the audience if there is anyone present who wishes to
comment on the proposal.
5.This is the time for the public to make comments or ask questions about the proposal.
Please step up to the podium and speak clearly. Give your name and address first and
then your comments.
6.After everyone in the audience wishing to speak has given his or her comments, the
chairperson will close the public discussion portion of the meeting.
7.The Commission will then discuss the proposal. No further public comments are allowed.
8.The Commission will then make its recommendation or decision.
9.All decisions by the Planning Commission are recommendations to the City Council. The
City Council makes the final decision.
“Welcome to the meeting of the Maplewood Planning Commission. It is our desire to
keep all discussions civil as we work through difficult issues tonight. If you are here for a
Public Hearing or to address the Planning Commission, please familiarize yourself with
the Policies and Procedures and Rules of Civility, which are located near the entrance. At
the podium please state your name and address clearly for the record.”
Revised: 02/18
October 17, 2023
Planning Commission Meeting Minutes 1
MINUTES
MAPLEWOOD PLANNING COMMISSION
7:00 P.M. Tuesday, October 17, 2023
City Hall, Council Chambers
1830 County Road B East
A.CALL TO ORDER
A meeting of the Commission was held and called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Chairperson Desai
B.ROLL CALL
Tushar Desai, Chairperson Present
Lue Yang, Vice Chairperson Present
Paul Arbuckle, Commissioner Present
Frederick Dahm, Commissioner Present
John Eads, Commissioner Present
Allan Ige, Commissioner Present
Tom Oszman, Commissioner Present
Staff Present: Elizabeth Hammond, Planner
Joe Rueb, Finance Director
C.APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Commissioner Dahm moved to approve the agenda as presented.
Seconded by Commissioner Oszman Ayes – All
The motion passed.
D.APPROVAL OF MINUTES
1.September 19, 2023 Planning Commission Meeting Minutes
Commissioner Ige moved to approve the September 19, 2023 Planning Commission Meeting
Minutes as submitted.
Seconded by Commissioner Eads Ayes – All
The motion passed.
E.PUBLIC HEARING
1. Development Code Updates
Rita Trapp, HKGi, presented the Development Code Updates and answered questions of the
commission.
There were no other speakers for this item.
Commissioner Dahm moved to approve amendments to Chapter 12, Buildings and Building
Regulations, and Articles I, II, and III of Chapter 44 of Maplewood’s zoning code.
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October 17, 2023
Planning Commission Meeting Minutes 2
Seconded by Commissioner Oszman Ayes – All
The motion passed
F. NEW BUSINESS
1. Capital Improvement Plan 2024-2028 Planning Commission
Joe Rueb, Finance Director, presented the 2024-2028 Capital Improvement Plan and answered
questions from the commission.
Commissioner Dahm moved to approve the draft 2024-2028 Capital Improvement Plan.
Seconded by Vice Chairperson Yang Ayes – All
The motion passed.
G. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None
H. COMMISSION PRESENTATIONS
None
I. STAFF PRESENTATIONS
None
J. VISITOR PRESENTATIONS
None
K. ADJOURNMENT
Chairperson Oszman moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:05 p.m.
Seconded by Commissioner Oszman Ayes – All
The motion passed
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PLANNING COMMISSION STAFF REPORT
Meeting Date November 21, 2023
REPORT TO: Melinda Coleman, City Manager
REPORT FROM: Michael Martin, AICP, Assistant Community Development Director
PRESENTER: Michael Martin, AICP, Assistant Community Development Director
AGENDA ITEM: Conditional Use Permit and Variances Resolution, Saint Paul Educational Foundation Communications Monopole, 1210 Sterling Street South
Action Requested: Motion ☐Discussion Public Hearing
Form of Action: Resolution ☐ Ordinance ☐Contract/Agreement ☐ Proclamation
Policy Issue:
Dale Romsos, VMC LLC, proposes installing a 195-foot communications monopole to house
equipment that currently resides on a ski jump owned and operated by the Saint Paul Educational
Foundation. The proposal includes moving the equipment off the ski jump and onto a new tower, to
be located on the ski jump property at 1210 Sterling Street South. To move forward, the applicant
needs city council approval for a conditional use permit, height and setback variances and design
review.
Recommended Action:
City staff is providing three actions for consideration by the planning commission. The planning
commission may make a motion on any of these three actions or create its own recommended
action.
a.Motion to approve a conditional use permit and variances resolution for a 195-foot
communications monopole with a height variance of 70 feet and a setback variance of 45 to
be constructed at 1210 Sterling Street South.
b.Motion to approve a conditional use permit and variances resolution requiring the applicant
to resubmit revised plans to allow for a ___-foot communications monopole with a height
variance of __ feet and a setback variance of __ to be constructed at 1210 Sterling Street
South. (Height and setback variances to be determined by the planning commission)
c.Motion recommending denial of the proposal. (A motion to deny must include findings of fact
germane to the request.)
Fiscal Impact:
Is There a Fiscal Impact? No ☐ Yes, the true or estimated cost is $0
Financing source(s): ☐ Adopted Budget ☐ Budget Modification ☐ New Revenue Source
☐Use of Reserves Other: N/A
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Strategic Plan Relevance:
☐ Community Inclusiveness ☐ Financial & Asset Mgmt ☐ Environmental Stewardship
☐ Integrated Communication Operational Effectiveness ☐ Targeted Redevelopment
The city deemed the applicant’s application complete on October 18, 2023. The initial 60-day
review deadline for a decision is December 17, 2023. As stated in Minnesota State Statute 15.99,
the city is allowed to take an additional 60 days, if necessary, to complete the review.
Background:
The Saint Paul Educational Foundation is the nonprofit foundation that owns and manages the ski
jump. In 1997, two wireless cellular carriers approached the Saint Paul Educational Foundation
about installing cellular antennae on their ski jump. The existing ski jump is 100 feet in height. In
2015, a third wireless carrier was located on the ski jump. As carriers made upgrades over the
years to their facilities, the property owner restricted additional upgrades to reevaluate the use of
the ski jump as a communications tower. The property owner conducted a design and structural
analysis it was determined that the ski jump tower could not hold the equipment needed for
additional upgrades without structural modifications. This has led to the Saint Paul Educational
Foundation proposing the installation of a new 195-foot communications monopole.
Conditional Use Permit
Section 44-1327 of the city’s zoning code requires a conditional use permit (CUP) for a
communication tower in a residential zoning district. The site at 1210 Sterling Street South is zoned
Farm Residential. The code also states that communication towers can only be located in the
following residentially zoned locations or properties:
a. Churches or places of worship.
b. Parks, when the city determines the facility would be compatible with the nature of the park.
c. City-owned property, government, school, utility and institutional sites or facilities.
This site would be considered an institutional use site and, as mentioned, currently has wireless
communication equipment on-site. A CUP was not required previously for this site as the equipment
is located on the ski jump, which is permitted by the code.
In reviewing an application for a conditional use permit for the construction of commercial antennas,
towers, and accessory structures, the city council shall consider the following:
1. Standards in this Code.
2. Recommendations of the planning commission and community design review board.
3. Effect of the proposed use upon the health, safety, convenience and general welfare of
residents of surrounding areas.
4. Effect on property values.
5. Effect of the proposed use on the comprehensive plan.
As the site already contains equipment for three wireless carriers who previously submitted
coverage/interference analysis and capacity analysis to the city, the applicant was not required to
supply this information with this application. Towers in residential zoning districts designed and built
for collocation are allowed to be 125 feet in height. The applicant is requesting approval for a 195-
foot communications monopole, requiring a variance, which is discussed later in this report.
If the tower is located next to a residential property line or next to a property that the city is planning
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for residential use, the tower must be located at least the height of the tower plus 25 feet from the
nearest residential structure. The proposed tower would be located 175 feet from the nearest
residential structure, thus requiring a setback variance, which is discussed later in this report. The
owner of the home to the south has written to the city to support the project.
The applicant has stated that the proposed monopole will be designed with a 50 percent breakaway
fall zone, allowing a fall zone of half the monopole's height, approximately 97.5 feet. If this tower
design is acceptable to the city council, staff recommends that a structural engineer be required to
sign off on all design plans related to the tower.
Code states that all ground equipment and accessory structures are required to be located at least
ten feet from side and rear property lines. The ground equipment for the wireless carriers already
exists on-site and meets the setback requirements. No changes to the location of the ground
equipment are proposed.
Variances
Height Variance
As mentioned in the CUP section, the application proposes a 195-foot communications monopole.
The maximum height allowed for this parcel and zoning district would be 125 feet, thus requiring a
70-foot variance. For reference, the city’s zoning code allows communications towers to be
constructed up to 175 feet in zoning districts or locations other than residential. While the ski jump
is a non-residential use and adjacent to a major freeway, the site is zoned farm residential and is
surrounded on three sides by single-family homes. The planning commission should consider these
factors to determine if a 90-foot variance is appropriate for this site.
Setback Variance
Again, as mentioned in the CUP section, the city’s zoning code requires towers to be setback the
height of the tower plus 25 feet. The nearest home to the proposed tower location is setback 175
feet. So, considering setback requirements alone, the maximum tower height could be 150 feet.
The applicant proposes a 195-foot monopole communications tower requiring a 220-foot setback.
Again, the nearest home is 175 feet, meaning a setback variance of 45 feet would be required.
As previously mentioned, the applicant has stated that the proposed monopole will be designed
with a 50 percent breakaway fall zone, allowing a fall zone of half of the height of the monopole,
approximately 97.5 feet. If this tower design is acceptable to the city council, staff recommends that
a structural engineer be required to sign off on all design plans related to the tower.
Overview
To approve any variances, the city council must consider the practical difficulties with the property,
preventing the applicant from complying with city code requirements. Staff does believe there are
unique factors affecting the site. The elevation of the site is very steep north and east of the ski
jump. The location of the ski jump provides a challenge in locating a new tower. With that said, staff
has concerns with the height of the proposed tower and its location compared to the home to the
south and is looking to the planning commission to provide its guidance on what it deems
appropriate in this situation.
Additionally, the applicant requests a 195-foot communications monopole to provide room for four
wireless providers – one more carrier than the site currently holds – at the 125’, 140’,155, and 170
levels and for community emergency response equipment at the top. Currently, the applicant has
no agreements with local agencies to use the top of the proposed tower.
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Design Review
Site Plan
The proposed monopole tower would be located just south of the ski jump. The applicant desires to
have the new tower within 40 feet of the existing ground equipment so that the entire site would not
have to be reworked. The operations of the ski jump and the site's steep elevations also limit a
tower's potential locations. The proposed tower site would be 233 feet from the property line to the
west and 357 feet from the property line to the east. The tower would be setback 109 feet from the
property line to the south and 175 feet to the house, as described above. The existing ground
equipment is to the southeast of the ski jump, is not proposed to move its location, and meets
setback requirements.
Monopole Elevation and Landscaping/Screening
Sec. 44-1327(13) requires the community design review board to recommend the plans for towers,
utility, equipment or accessory buildings, site plans, and proposed screening and landscaping. The
proposed 195-foot communications monopole would have a flush-mounted installation instead of
the projecting triangular antenna installation. Staff finds the flush pole an improvement over the
standard tower design seen throughout the Twin Cities metro area. Sec. 44-1328(3)9 requires that
towers be light blue, gray, or another color shown to reduce visibility. The applicant would need to
meet this requirement.
The existing ground equipment does have a chain link fence, but staff feels there is an opportunity
to add additional landscaping screening around this equipment area. Environmental staff reviewed
the plans and found that the proposed monopole is close to two 18” oak trees. The applicant should
submit a tree plan showing the significant trees' size, species, and location within the disturbed
area. The applicant should also be required to submit a landscape plan to show tree replacement, if
necessary, and additional screening for the monopole and ground equipment.
Department Comments
Engineering – Jon Jarosch
A grading permit is required for this project.
Environmental – Shall Finwall
• Submit a tree plan showing the size, species, and location of all significant trees within the
disturbed area. A significant tree is any hardwood tree 6 diameter inches or larger, conifer
tree 8 diameter inches or larger, and softwood tree 12 diameter inches or larger. The plan
must show which trees will be removed with the development of the monopole, or how the
trees near the project will be preserved. If significant tree removal is proposed, the plan
must show tree replacement per the City’s tree ordinance.
• Submit a landscape plan to show tree replacement if necessary and how the monopole will
be screened per the City’s antenna and tower ordinance.
Building Official – Randy Johnson
The proposed building is required to meet the minimum requirements of the Minnesota State
Building Code. Applicant must also submit a written report certified by a Minnesota licensed
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structural engineer detailing how the 50 percent breakaway is achieved without compromising the
required design of the monopole.
Board and Commission Review
Community Design Review Board
November 21, 2023: The community design review board will review this project.
Planning Commission
November 21, 2023: The planning commission will review this project and hold a public hearing.
Citizen Comments
Staff sent public hearing notices to the 50 surrounding property owners within 500 feet of the
proposed site and invited owners to provide their opinions about this proposal. Staff did not receive
any comments.
Reference Information
Site Description
Project Area: 17.99 acres
Existing Land Use: Ski jump
Surrounding Land Uses
North: Single-family homes
East: I-494
South: Single-family homes
West: Single-family homes
Planning
Existing Land Use: Open Space
Existing Zoning: Farm Residential
Attachments:
1.Conditional Use Permit and Setback Variances Resolution
2.Design Review Resolution
3.Overview Map
4.2040 Future Land Use Map
5.Zoning Map
6.Applicant’s Narrative
7.Site Plan
8. Monopole Elevation
9.Applicant’s Plans (separate attachment)
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CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT AND SETBACK VARIANCES RESOLUTION
BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Maplewood, Minnesota, as follows:
Section 1. Background.
1.01 Dale Romsos of VMC LLC has requested approval of a conditional use permit and
variances to permit a 195-foot communications monopole.
1.02 The property is located at 1210 Sterling Street South and is legally described as:
PIN: 132822430022. The South seventy-four feet (S. 74') of the West Half of the
Southeast Quarter (W 1/2 of SE 1/4) of Section 13, Township 28, Range 22, lying
North of the South twenty-five (S. 25) acres, East of Sterling Street, and West of
State Trunk Highway 494, it being the intention of the granters to convey a seventy-
four foot (74') strip immediately to the North of the South twenty-five (S. 25) acres of
the West Half of the Southeast Quarter (W 1/2 of SE 1/4) of Section 13, Township
28, Range 22.
AND
Outlot A, HIGHWOOD ESTATES NO. 2, according to the recorded plat thereof.
AND
That portion of the SW 1/4 of the SE1/4 of Sec. 13, T. 28, R.22, according to the
Government Survey thereof, described as follows: Commencing at the SE corner of
the SW 1/4 of the SE 1/4 of said Sec. 13, thence N. 50 rods, thence W. 80 rods to
the Quarter Sec. line, thence S. 50 rods to the Sec. line, thence E. along the sec. line
80 rods to the place of beginning, being 25 acres, more or less.
Less and Except that portion of the property conveyed by the following: As referred
to in Warranty Deed recorded as Instrument No. 2717756: The east one-half of
Sterling Street right-of-way that is located in the south half of Section 13, Township
28, Range 22 which is south of the south line of the following-described property and
south of the (easterly) extension of said south line: the north 487.99 feet of the SW
l/4 of the SE l/4 of Section 13, Township 28, Range 22.
AND
Outlet A, Maplewood Highlands, Ramsey County, Minnesota according to the
recorded plat thereof.
As referred to in Warranty Deed recorded as instrument No. 2718516:
That part of the South 180.00 feet of the West 233.00 feet of the Southwest Quarter
of the Southeast Quarter of Section 13, Township 28, Range 22, Ramsey County,
Minnesota lying East of the West 33.00 thereof.
Ramsey County
Abstract Property
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Section 2. Standards.
2.01 City Ordinance Section 44-1327 requires a Conditional Use Permit for
Communications Towers.
2.02 Communication Towers Conditional Use Permit Standards. City Ordinance Section
44-1326.
1. Standards in this Code.
2. Recommendations of the planning commission and community design review
board.
3. Effect of the proposed use upon the health, safety, convenience and general
welfare of residents of surrounding areas.
4. Effect on property values.
5. Effect of the proposed use on the comprehensive plan.
2.03 General Conditional Use Permit Standards. City Ordinance Section 44-1097(a)
states that the City Council must base approval of a Conditional Use Permit on the
following nine standards for approval.
1. The use would be located, designed, maintained, constructed and operated to be
in conformity with the City’s Comprehensive Plan and Code of Ordinances.
2. The use would not change the existing or planned character of the surrounding
area.
3. The use would not depreciate property values.
4. The use would not involve any activity, process, materials, equipment or methods
of operation that would be dangerous, hazardous, detrimental, disturbing or
cause a nuisance to any person or property, because of excessive noise, glare,
smoke, dust, odor, fumes, water or air pollution, drainage, water run-off,
vibration, general unsightliness, electrical interference or other nuisances.
5. The use would not exceed the design standards of any affected street.
6. The use would be served by adequate public facilities and services, including
streets, police and fire protection, drainage structures, water and sewer systems,
schools and parks.
7. The use would not create excessive additional costs for public facilities or
services.
8. The use would maximize the preservation of and incorporate the site’s natural
and scenic features into the development design.
9. The use would cause minimal adverse environmental effects.
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2.04 Variance Standard. City Ordinance Section 44-13 refers to state statute which states
a variance may be granted from the requirements of the zoning ordinance when: (1)
the variance is in harmony with the general purposes and intent of this ordinance; (2)
when the variance is consistent with the comprehensive plan; and (3) when the
applicant establishes that there are practical difficulties in complying with the
ordinance. Practical difficulties mean: (1) The proposed use is reasonable; (2) the
need for a variance is caused by circumstances unique to the property, not created
by the property owner, and not solely based on economic conditions.
Section 3. Findings.
3.01 The proposal meets the specific conditional use permit standards.
3.02 The proposal meets the specific variance standards.
Section 4. City Review Process
4.01 The City conducted the following review when considering this conditional use permit
and variances request.
1. On November 21, 2023, the planning commission held a public hearing. The city
staff published a hearing notice in the Pioneer Press and sent notices to the
surrounding property owners. The planning commission gave everyone at the
hearing a chance to speak and present written statements.
2. On December 11, 2023, the city council discussed this resolution. They
considered reports and recommendations from the planning commission and city
staff. The Planning Commission recommended that the City Council _______
this resolution.
Section 5. City Council
5.01 The city council hereby _______ the resolution. Approval is based on the findings
outlined in section 3 of this resolution. Approval is subject to the following conditions:
1.All construction shall follow the plans approved by the city. The director of
community development may approve minor changes.
2.The proposed construction must be substantially started within one year of
council approval or the permit shall become null and void.
3.The city council shall review this conditional use permit in one year.
4.This conditional use permit is conditioned upon the applicant allowing the
collocation of other provider's telecommunications equipment on the proposed
tower. The applicant shall submit a letter to staff allowing collocation before a
building permit can be issued.
5.This resolution approves a 195-foot tall communications monopole with a height
variance of 70 feet and a setback variance of 45 feet.
__________ by the City Council of the City of Maplewood, Minnesota, on December 11, 2023.
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DESIGN REVIEW RESOLUTION
BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Maplewood, Minnesota, as follows:
Section 1. Background.
1.01 Dale Romsos of VMC LLC has requested approval of a conditional use permit and
variances to permit a 195-foot communications monopole.
1.02 The property is located at 1210 Sterling Street South and is legally described as:
PIN: 132822430022. The South seventy-four feet (S. 74') of the West Half of the
Southeast Quarter (W 1/2 of SE 1/4) of Section 13, Township 28, Range 22, lying
North of the South twenty-five (S. 25) acres, East of Sterling Street, and West of
State Trunk Highway 494, it being the intention of the granters to convey a seventy-
four foot (74') strip immediately to the North of the South twenty-five (S. 25) acres of
the West Half of the Southeast Quarter (W 1/2 of SE 1/4) of Section 13, Township
28, Range 22.
AND
Outlot A, HIGHWOOD ESTATES NO. 2, according to the recorded plat thereof.
AND
That portion of the SW 1/4 of the SE1/4 of Sec. 13, T. 28, R.22, according to the
Government Survey thereof, described as follows: Commencing at the SE corner of
the SW 1/4 of the SE 1/4 of said Sec. 13, thence N. 50 rods, thence W. 80 rods to
the Quarter Sec. line, thence S. 50 rods to the Sec. line, thence E. along the sec. line
80 rods to the place of beginning, being 25 acres, more or less.
Less and Except that portion of the property conveyed by the following: As referred
to in Warranty Deed recorded as Instrument No. 2717756: The east one-half of
Sterling Street right-of-way that is located in the south half of Section 13, Township
28, Range 22 which is south of the south line of the following-described property and
south of the (easterly) extension of said south line: the north 487.99 feet of the SW
l/4 of the SE l/4 of Section 13, Township 28, Range 22.
AND
Outlet A, Maplewood Highlands, Ramsey County, Minnesota according to the
recorded plat thereof.
As referred to in Warranty Deed recorded as instrument No. 2718516:
That part of the South 180.00 feet of the West 233.00 feet of the Southwest Quarter
of the Southeast Quarter of Section 13, Township 28, Range 22, Ramsey County,
Minnesota lying East of the West 33.00 thereof.
Ramsey County
Abstract Property
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Section 2. Site and Building Plan Standards and Findings.
2.01 City ordinance Section 2-290(b) and 44-1327(13) requires that the community design
review board make the following findings to approve plans:
1. That the design and location of the proposed development and its relationship to
neighboring, existing or proposed developments and traffic is such that it will not
impair the desirability of investment or occupation in the neighborhood; that it will
not unreasonably interfere with the use and enjoyment of neighboring, existing or
proposed developments; and that it will not create traffic hazards or congestion.
2. That the design and location of the proposed development are in keeping with
the character of the surrounding neighborhood and are not detrimental to the
harmonious, orderly and attractive development contemplated by this article and
the city's comprehensive municipal plan.
3. That the design and location of the proposed development would provide a
desirable environment for its occupants, as well as for its neighbors, and that it is
aesthetically of good composition, materials, textures and colors.
Section 3. City Council Action.
3.01 The above-described site and design plans are hereby approved based on the
findings outlined in Section 3 of this resolution. Subject to staff approval, the site
must be developed and maintained in substantial conformance with the design plans.
Approval is subject to the applicant doing the following:
1. Obtain a conditional use permit and variances approval from the city council for
this project.
2. Repeat this review in two years if the city has not issued a building permit for this
project.
3. All requirements of the city engineer, fire marshal and building official must be
met.
4. The flush mount design for the telecommunications tower shall be utilized.
5. Prior to the issuance of a building permit, the applicant shall submit for staff
approval the following items:
a. Submit a tree plan showing the size, species, and location of all significant
trees within the disturbed area. A significant tree is any hardwood tree 6
diameter inches or larger, conifer tree 8 diameter inches or larger, and
softwood tree 12 diameter inches or larger. The plan must show which trees
will be removed with the development of the monopole or how the trees near
the project will be preserved. If significant tree removal is proposed, the plan
must show tree replacement per the City’s tree ordinance.
b. Submit a landscape plan to show tree replacement if necessary and how the
monopole and ground equipment will be screened per the City’s antenna and
tower ordinance.
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c. Submit a written report certified by a Minnesota licensed structural engineer
detailing how the 50 percent breakaway is achieved without compromising
the required design of the monopole.
d.The applicant shall provide the city with a cash escrow or an irrevocable letter
of credit for all required exterior improvements. The amount shall be 150
percent of the cost of the work.
6.If any required work is not done, the city may allow temporary occupancy if:
a.The city determines that the work is not essential to public health, safety or
welfare.
b.The above-required letter of credit or cash escrow is held by the City of
Maplewood for all required exterior improvements. The owner or contractor
shall complete any unfinished exterior improvements by June 1 of the
following year if occupancy of the building is in the fall or winter or within six
weeks of occupancy of the building if occupancy is in the spring or summer.
7.All work shall follow the approved plans. The director of community development
may approve minor changes.
__________ by the City Council of the City of Maplewood, Minnesota, on December 11, 2023.
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Overview Map - 1210 Sterling Street South
City of Maplewood October 12, 2023
Legend !I
0 950
FeetSource: City of Maplewood, Ramsey County
Project Parcel
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Future Land Use Map - 1210 Sterling Street South
City of Maplewood October 12, 2023
Legend !IFuture Land Use - 2040
Low Density Residential
Rural/Low Density Residential
Medium Density Residential
Mixed Use - Neighborhood
Commercial
Public/Institutional
Utility
Open Space
Park
0 950
FeetSource: City of Maplewood, Ramsey County
E1, Attachment 4
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Zoning Map - 1210 Sterling Street South
City of Maplewood October 12, 2023
Legend !IZoning
Single Dwelling (r1)
Rural Single Dwelling (r1r)
Planned Unit Development (pud)
Farm (f)
Open Space/Park
Mixed Use (mu)
Business Commercial (bc)
0 950
FeetSource: City of Maplewood, Ramsey County
E1, Attachment 5
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August 29, 2023
Conditional Use Permit Request
City of Maplewood
Attn: Mr. Michael Martin 1830 County Rd B East
Maplewood, MN 55109
Mr. Martin,
The St Paul Educational Foundation (SPEF) is a non-for-profit foundation that supports local educational programs and has owned and managed the ski jump property since
1975. In 1997 two wireless cellular carriers approached the foundation about installing cellular antennae on their ski jump. The foundation viewed this offer as a win-win offer.
The foundation could give elevated space while reducing the number of communication towers to be installed. In 2015 a third wireless carrier leased space and installed
equipment on the ski jump. Over the years the carriers have made upgrades to their site to improve coverage and capacity to area and residents. In 2020, several events
took place that made the Foundation restricted site upgrades and reevaluated the use of the ski jump as a communications tower. During that year Two of the carriers had
proposed upgrades but not reflective of one another. When a comprehensive design and structural analysis was performed it was determined the ski jump tower could not
hold the proposed equipment as it sat without major structural modifications.
St Paul Educational Foundation retained VMC LLC to perform a feasibility study as to the carrier need, regulatory due diligence, and construction cost of installing a new
communications mono pole adjacent to the ski Jump and continue as a communications facility. The goal of SPEF was to continue to provide a wireless telecommunications site
that would serve the needs of the cellular carriers presently and into the future. Also, to allow for future growth of additional wireless providers and emergency response needs
for the region. With the demand for wireless equipment the SPEF felt it was best to create better coverage and connectivity to residents of Maplewood and neighboring
communities.
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To date VMC LLC has the following items:
1 The existing carriers have shown interest in staying on site and moving onto a
neighboring mono pole tower. 2 To move from this parcel/tower location will require a complete regulatory
determination process that can take as long as 2years, not including local approval.
3 Technology upgrades will not take place until a new tower is built reducing the performance of cellular coverage and connectivity until such time.
4 Soil boring were performed showing good conditions to provide a tower foundation at a reasonable cost.
5 1A survey was conducted and submitted for regulatory review. 6 FAA Determination was received with approval of up to a 199’ tower.
7 With the new technology developing there has already been interest from new providers to collocate at this site.
8 To move the mono pole location any further than 40’ from its prosed location would create a complete rebuild of the site for the cellular providers base on
communication line length and regulatory “Change out” procedures. The utility and site infrastructure is in place and would not hinder the construction
of the mono pole. 9 The height under 125’ is considered unusable or “RF Shadowed” by the ski
jump. Moving the proposed location will only increase the unusable vertical space on the mono pole.
10 The monopole will be designed with a 50% break away fall zone. The design will only allow a fall zone of half of the height of the mono pole (approx.
97.5’).
As per Section 44-1326 of The City of Maplewood City zoning code, St Paul Educational Foundation is applying for a Conditional Use Permit for the installation of a 195’ mono
pole. The monopole would be designed to accommodate 4 wireless providers (125’, 140’,155,170’) and 1 elevation for community emergency response (190’). The
monopole will be shadowed for reception at levels under 125” by the ski jump and deemed non usable. A tower over 199’ would need to be lit and deemed unfeasible for
this location. This request allows for future colocation of wireless providers and emergency response while not exceeding FAA approval. The location of the pole is 175’
from the nearest home and the pole is being designed to have a 50% break away
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design. That meant the farthest it would fall from the foundation is 97.5’ which is within
the property of the SPEF.
Installation of the mono pole would stay consistent with previous installation of cellular equipment that have already been approved by the City of Maplewood:
•6’ chain link fence. To be attached to the ski jump and Verizon fence compound.
•Gravel compound
•Secured mono pole climbing system.
Application form requirements.
Submission Items
•Certified Survey.
•1A Survey report.
•Existing condition topographic map.
•Proposed Draft topographic map1.
•Proposed Draft topographic map2.
•Application letter.
•Proposed monopole design (Sabre).
•Soil boring report
•Proposed Monopole location
•Verizon site construction documents.
•500’ resident listing
•500’ parcel mapNotes – Acknowledged and identified in application review letter.
Criteria for Approval of a Conditional Use Permit – Acknowledged.
Respectfully submitted.
Dale Romsos
Dale Romsos
VMC LLC,
Cc: Kathleen Wallace- St Paul Educational Foundation
Dale Romsos – VMC, LLC
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